Thursday, April 22, 2010

Today I would like to share another of my favorites movies, "The Secret Garden". As we are all waiting for our gardens to grow this spring, I encourage you to pop this movie in for inspiration. There is something about the discovery of a garden and the joy of uncovering flowers and bringing the garden back to life that is so fulfilling. There is a lot of suspense and drama going on with the characters and you will certainly be entertained as well.

The original book is by author, Frances Hodgson Burnett and the illustrations are by the wonderful Tasha Tudor. This is a great book to add to your collection. Take a stroll through the garden with me as I share some of the flowers that I'm waiting to see sprout up this spring...

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I want to thank you for praying for me yesterday. The purse class went much better than I expected. There is still more work to be done so I will show you the finished bag after the next class. I won't say I was without error. I had cut some pieces wrong and had to redo a few things but at least I got two zippers in and hopefully will remember how to put the third one in next week. If not, I have my buddy, Joyce, to help me and our instructor is wonderful. While at class I became aware of two Featherweight machines that are available for purchase. I got a mini education in Featherweights. They were made between 1930 - 1960. Singer is still making replacement parts for these machines. The ladies were talking about how wonderful they are to sew on and how portable they are. I'm going to sew with one the next time I go in. Do any of you have one of these machines? What do you think of it? It is pulling at my heartstrings and they have lay-away...

I was walking with my daughter after the class and was pondering whether my Grandmothers might have used this machine. The night was so pretty and though cold (mid 50's) I was enjoying the flowers. We were finding them in the most unusual places along the trail we walk and I was reminded of my Mom and how a few years back she had decided to go in search of her Grandmother's house. She had a great many memories of spending summers on the farm and hadn't been there in many years. When she got there, the house had been taken down and nothing remained but the daffodils that used to line the driveway. There they were, all lined up in the field. I thought this would make her sad, but she was actually comforted by the memories of those flowers and finding them was like finding a piece of her Grandma.

When we got home I started looking for photos of my great Grandmother, but couldn't locate any. What I was able to find is this picture of my Grandmother, my Dad's Mom. She is the little one on the left with the bows in her hair. It was confirmed again that I should be a farm girl as my family were farmers. I'm so amused by this picture. They are covered in mud and barefoot. Did this rascal of an animal get loose? I would love to know the story. I'd also like to know if there is a Featherweight sewing machine behind that door.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Today I am off to purse class with Joyce. We decided to pick the hardest bag design that Amy Butler offers (in my opinion). It took me over three hours to get all the pattern pieces ready and then get all the pieces cut out. Each piece required the exterior fabric, lining and interior fabric. It's a LARGE bag. It has multiple pockets and three zippered sections. We came to the conclusion that if we can master this bag then we can make anything.

In reality I am freaking out. If I didn't have Joyce to talk me off the proverbial sewing ledge I might have thrown in the towel. I have been given strict orders that I am to leave all anxiety at the door, so I'm sharing my fears with you. I get impatient when I sew. I find quilting so much easier. There's something about all the pattern pieces, markings and the three pages of microscopic directions let alone three zippers that's a bit overwhelming. I thought about taking a Benadryl before I leave home, to calm my nerves, but am concerned I might fall asleep while sewing my sleeve to the outer flap.

If the Lord prompts you to think of me today, please send up a prayer for me to get a grip. Aren't classes suppose to be fun? Why are we so hard on ourselves? I'm giving this bag to my daughter if I can actually make it. What she doesn't know is that she will be using it, everyday, for the rest of her life.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Over the weekend my daughter and I went to look for fabric for a purse I'm making her. When we walked in the store she saw a bolt of fabric (floral yardage on top) and immediately fell in love. She had picked a fabric from the "Hunky Dory" line which I have been wanting to use for awhile now. The next thing I knew, we had picked out enough fabric for a quilt. How is a mother to say "no" when a daughter asks if you'd make her a quilt? We forgot all about the purse fabric.

I'm in the planning stages for a bridal shower I'm giving in June and have cupcakes on my mind. I just came across this recipe for rose frosting where you actually use rose water. Have any of you tried this? I might be forced to make a practice batch of cupcakes, as horrible as that sounds.

I've been picking up platters for the shower when I see them. I was out with Joyce and found these at Goodwill for under ten dollars a piece. Aren't they pretty?

I will have to wait to share about all my shower plans since the beautiful bride, Chelsea, reads my blog. I'll just give her a little to keep her intrigued. Showers are so much fun!

Friday, April 16, 2010

I went out to get the mail and was greeted with a fun surprise package. I wish every outing to the mailbox resulted in beautiful packages like this one.

Inside was the gardening apron that Joyce (Iloveprettylittlethings) made for me as part of her giveaway. You can read that story here. I just love it! It has lots of pockets for my gardening tools and my kleenex (my allergies always kick in when gardening). Joyce did such a wonderful job sewing and I love the print she chose. She knows deep down that I want to be a farm girl so the chickens are quite appropriate.

On my way back to the house I glanced over and saw these intruders grinning at me. Time to tie on that apron and get to work!

My second surprise came in the form of an award from Cynthia at Precious Cupcakes. Cynthia has a fun blog and etsy shop. She is also the brains behind "Operation Sweet Dreams" which provides new pajamas to needy children. Check out her blog for ways to support this cause.

I've been asked as a recipient of the Honest Scrap award to tell you ten things about myself and pass this on. I've decided that anyone who visits me and wants to participate in the Honest Scrap award is a recipient today. We'll use this as a fun way to learn more things about each other. Here goes:

1. I was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. My parents still live in the house that they built when I was 6 months old.

2. Okay, now I have to tell you that I'm 48 years old so you'll know how long my parents have lived in their house.

3. I met my husband in the 7th grade. We didn't start dating until after graduation from high school. He was way too smart for me (or so I thought).

4. I have always enjoyed creating things. I spent most of my time drawing until I caught the knitting/quilting/sewing bug when my son was 2.

5. I have one son who is a freshmen in college and a daughter who is a freshmen in high school. I'm not quite sure how this happened, I feel like I walked through the front door of the elementary school this morning and exited out the front door of the high school this afternoon. It has all gone by that quickly.

6. I became a Christian when I was 30 years old after a traumatic life experience in which I learned that I am not in control of my life, but the one who made me, loves me and saves me, is.

7. I live in a subdivision but secretly live the life of a farm girl every second I can.

8. I cannot imagine life without girlfriends, especially the ones who aren't afraid to tell you the truth.

9. Though I try to fight it, deep down I'm a hopeless romantic.

10. Everyday I am inspired by all the beauty around me and I have the need to create, everyday.

Let me know if you accept the award so that I can visit your blog and learn more about you. Be blessed today!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

This quilt caught my eye in the Better Homes and Gardens Spring 2010 issue of Quilts and More. It looked to me like it would work up quickly and make a good graduation gift for the son of a friend of mine.

You never know how quilts will turn out when you have to change the color scheme completely from the way it was presented in the magazine. I had found a pack of these fun plaids and stripes when I was visiting my dear friend, Amy. Amy's son, Ben, picked out the wonderful blue for the sashing. I was so thankful to have a boy along who could veto all my "girlie" choices.

I had decided it needed a little pop of color so I added the yellow instead of something more muted. I think it really gave the quilt a little pizazz, don't you?

I took the finished top to my quilting friend, Mary, yesterday. I'm excited to see what she will do with it. There's a lot of open spaces on the sashing to do some fun designs. I'm making some progress on my graduation gift and custom order list. I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, yeah!!! I hope you have a productive and fun day today!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Thank you to all of you who sent me emails letting me know that my comment section wasn't working. I missed hearing from you and I'm glad that everything is working now. Let me know if there is anymore glitches and thank you for the kind comments on the new blog look. The change has been similar to redecorating a room and I've been having a lot of fun with it!

I love the Country Living website. They have a wonderful crafts and simple projects section. All of the pictures featured today are things you can make from their website, starting with this pretty bag (above)...

and moving to a simple yet fun and decorative pincushion. They have directions for each item and most items are very simple to complete.

I think this curtain tie-back made from buttons is so pretty. Wouldn't this look lovely in a bedroom?

This doily vase is made using a clear glass vase with doily wrapped around it and stitched down in a few strategic places. The possibilities for this are endless. Think of all the colors of doilies and all the vase shapes.

There is not a seamstress out in the blogosphere that doesn't have scrap fabric and buttons. What a fun and colorful way to make napkin holders.

This project is one of my favorites. A simple pair of flats, some satin ribbon and a glue gun. It doesn't get much easier than that. Be sure to check out the other craft ideas and let me know what you create!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

I received a package in the mail yesterday from my dear Mom-in-love, Martha. She was cleaning out some drawers and came across these pretties that she thought I might like. I was thrilled! I especially like the little bloomers. This got me thinking about all the wonderful things we make with our hands and I thought I would share a few...

This darling crosstitch hangs in my sewing room. My Mom, Helen, made it for my daughter when she was little. I love the colors.

Sandy, a dear lady who taught me to knit many moons ago made this paper pieced pillow for me. Back when she made it, I didn't even know what paper piecing was. My quilting skills have come a long way since then.

I put together this picture for my dining room one day when I was feeling creative and probably didn't feel like doing housework (which is everyday!).

My son, who is in college now, made this puzzle in wood shop for me when he was in the seventh grade. It is out year round, I love it!

I would like to thank Michelle from Shabby Creations for my new blog design. I am thrilled with the way it turned out. Check out her portfolio for more pictures of her beautiful designs.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Today is one of those Mondays when there are a bunch of small things that need to be done. Busy stuff like signing my daughter up for drivers ed and getting my oil changed, etc... when I would rather be sewing. I glanced up and saw my sign this morning that my friend, Diane, had given me a couple of years ago and thought, "yes, my bobbin is full today".

Yesterday I started a new quilt for a young man who is graduating. It's fun to use these colors when I'm used to all my pretty floral pastels. This will be a quick one and I'll show you more later.

I'm feeling a bit guilty today too. As you can see, Max wants to play. Max just can't play a little, it needs to be exhausting him in order to stop. So he'll have to wait. Don't they just break your heart sometimes?